Nestled in the heart of France, Burgundy is a region famed for its exquisite wines, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. While the vineyards often steal the spotlight, there's another way to soak up the essence of this enchanting region—through an unforgettable hiking tour passing the noble part of Burgundy: The Gold Coast “La Côte d’Or” on the Chemin du Grand Crus linking the towns of Dijon, Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosnee Romanee, Nuits Saint Georges, Beaune and Meursault. It's a tapestry of experiences woven with the threads of nature, history, and viticulture.
This is a slow paced walk through rolling hills dotted with mustard fields and oak and beech forests which weaves its way from one timeless wine village to another with two night stays offering a flexibile itinerary. There’s plenty of time to visit the glazed-roof towns, the chateaux and to taste the world-famous fine wine & cuisine. Immerse yourself into this unique region of France and discover Burgundy’s “art de vivre”. Isn’t walking the best way to soak up the environment? So, lace up your hiking boots and let Burgundy unfold its magic as you traverse through its scenic beauty and cultural richness.
Holiday details
Price
- Classic
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from £1,705 – £1,965 per person
- Luxury
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from £2,370 – £2,560 per person
Based on two people sharing a room. Price range due to seasonal variations
Duration
7 nights
Start & Finish
Starts Dijon and finishes Beaune. Dijon is 1.5/2 hours by train from Paris and Beaune connects directly with Dijon by train. Available 1 March to 30 November
Hotels
- Classic
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Four 4* hotels
- Luxury
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Two 5* and two 4* hotels
Holiday type
Self-guided so you are free to explore at your own pace. More info...
Activity level
Gentle walking (3) More info...
Mileage
3 days of walking 7-12 miles (11 - 13 km) and 2 days of optional walking
Terrain
genlte trails and tiny vineyard roads on slopes
What’s included?
Ensuite accommodation every night with breakfast. The services of our friendly local Hosts. Luggage transfers between hotels. 24/7 phone contact number. Adventure Handbook with our local tips. GPS Routes on an App with waterproof phone holder. Guidebook or OS maps. Protection of your funds. Advice, help and guidance planning your trip.
Transfer to start of walks on Day 3 and 5. Transfer to Beaune at the end of the tour. From 1 March until 30 November. Read About Our Trips for further details
Options
- Day 3 Guided tour of Chateau Clos Vougeot.
- Day 3 Add a wine tasting lunch at Chateau Clos Vougeot
- Day 4 Book a 2.5 hour tour and tasting at Le Cassisium
- Take a taxi to shorten the walk on Day 7
- Day 7 Book a tour and tasting at Chateau Meursault
Itinerary day-by-day
Classic & Luxury
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1. Day one
Arrive Dijon
Arrive in Dijon, also called “The town of 100 bells” because of its beautifully preserved architectural heritage dating back to the Middle ages and the Renaissance and settle into your hotel in the heart of the city where you stay 2 nights. Soak up the Burgundy mood and relax. Your Welcome phone briefing will take place this evening or tomorrow.
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2. Day two
Explore Dijon
Explore the charming medieval streets of Dijon's historic centre, where you can visit the Palais des Ducs (Palace of the Dukes) and the Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts). Discover the city’s vibrant food scene with Dijon mustard as its famous highlight or stroll through the Les Halles market to taste local specialties. Don’t miss the Owl’s Trail (Le Parcours de la Chouette), a self-guided walking tour that leads you to key landmarks.
Optional distances
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3. Day three
Golden Coast to Chateau Clos Vougeot and Vosnee Romanee
After breakfast we provide a short 30 mins transfer to Gevrey-Chambertin where you will start your walk through the heart of the Burgundy vineyards on quiet farming tracks and paths. You visit the charming towns of Chambolle-Musigny and Morey St. Denis before arriving at the prestigious 16th century Chateau Clos de Vougeot where you can take an optional guided tour and follow it with lunch if you like, subject to availability. Your next stop is Vosne Romanée producing the region's most celebrated wines, all made entirely from the Pinot noir grape. You stay here for two nights.
7 miles (11 km)
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4. Day four
Enjoy Vosnee Romanee environs
You're spoilt for choice today! For a vigorous 6 hour walk, head to the wooded hills to the west of Nuits St Georges enjoying forests and lush meadows overlooking the Meuzin valley. Or visit Le Cassisium to learn more about blackcurrant the primary ingredient for Crème de Cassis an alcohol liqueur produced in the region. You can also book a 2.5 hour guided tour of the liqueur factory there followed by a tasting of different local delicacies & drinks. Or simply enjoy relaxing by your hotel's pool and sip a glass of wine in a terrasse cafe.
Optional (12 miles) 19 km 1500'ascent and 1500' descent
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5. Day five
Fussey to Beaune
After a hearty breakfast take a short taxi transfer to Fussey to start your hike to Beaune. You are quickly in the countryside walking through oak forests on peaceful paths leading to an authentic winegrowing village: Savigny-les-Beaune, a rarity in the Côte de Beaune, as this village produces Crémant de Bourgogne a festive wine. From the church of Saint-Cassien and its splendid listed Romanesque bell tower, to the formal garden of the Chandon de Briailles Manor House, the village has some wonderful discoveries in store for you. Continue to Beaune the capital of Burgundy’s wine industry where you stay 2 nights.
8 miles (13 km)
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6. Day six
Enjoy Beaune environs
Today you have several options - for a good walk, head into the countryside to explore the Montagne de Baune, a hill west of Beaune partly occupied by beautiful houses overlooking the Cotes de Beaune. If you are here on a Saturday, then stroll to the morning market in Beaune, the best place to taste local produce, bite into a piece of fruity Cîteaux cheese produced by the monks, a tasty Delice de Pommard or a creamy Brillat Savarin, Try the marbled ham, smell the truffle and taste gingerbread flavoured with honey. Visit a Mustard-manufacturer La Maison Fallot and taste new creations such as mustard flavoured with blackcurrant, tarragon, honey, gingerbread - you can even make it yourself! But most of all, discover all the charms within the ramparts of Beaune: mansions, beautiful wood-frame homes and flower-laden squares. Don’t miss the imposing mansion of the Dukes of Burgundy, the basilica of Notre Dame and the most famous of all the sights in Beaune, the steep pitched patterned roofs of the Hotel Dieu an ancient hospital now featuring a fine arts museum.
Optional 8 miles (13 km)
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7. Day seven
Beaune to Meursault
Just steps from the centre of Beaune, above the plains of the Saône, and heading up the slope, are the Clos de Beaune Premier Cru wines. You will stroll through the parcels of vines, separated by ancient stone walls and sprinkled with “cabiottes” (winemakers cabins), before reaching the village of Pommard. The wines are a deep red in colour, with the flavours of ripe berries, which you can taste at Domaine Le Jeune. Next is the town of Volnay, on the slopes of the hills, offering fine reds. Through boxwood and pine forests at the top of the slopes you reach the village of Mothélie, its Romanesque church, chateau, old homes, and great cellars before arriving in Meursault. Here you can visit the renowned Château de Meursault subject to availability, a delight for the eyes and the taste buds; 14th and 16th century cellars guarding prestigious bottles of wine. Today's walk can be shortened with a transfer to Pommard. You stay your last night in Meursault.
5.5 or 8 miles (9 or 13 km)
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8. Day eight
Depart Meursault
After breakfast we transfer you the short distance to Beaune from where you can easily catch a train to Paris for your onward travel.